Three women judges are set to participate in a discussion on gender equality in Minnesota's judicial leadership. The event will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 13, at Minnesota North College in Virginia.
The panel will include Court of Appeals Chief Judge Susan Segal, Court of Appeals Judge Diane Bratvold, and Sixth Judicial District Judge Michelle Anderson. They aim to explore the benefits of gender equality within judicial leadership for both the courts and the public.
Judge Bratvold stated, “One way we enhance public confidence in the judiciary is when the courts are led by the people who seek justice. This means leadership from all facets of our diverse community, including all genders.”
Currently, gender equality is prominent in Minnesota’s judicial leadership. The Minnesota Supreme Court has a female chief justice and a female majority; similarly, the Court of Appeals and several judicial districts have female chief judges. The discussion will focus on how such representation strengthens public trust and confidence in the judiciary.
Judge Bratvold emphasized that “equality is a core principle of democracy in the United States, and equal justice under the law is the foundation of our legal system.” She acknowledged that while their panel would address gender equality in judicial leadership, it is part of a broader challenge encompassing more than what they will cover during their discussion.
The Lady Justice event will be moderated by Ellie Norvitch, a pre-law student at the College of St. Scholastica, along with Leah Ryan, cofounder of Iron Range Today. Scheduled to take place at Virginia Campus Theatre within Minnesota North College, this free event welcomes public attendance. Further details can be accessed via Cultures, Humanities, and Arts on the Iron Range's Facebook page.